No Chelsea deal, says Pleat

English Barclays Premiership

David Pleat has moved to quash speculation in Wednesday's national newspapers that suggest David Ginola has become a target for Chelsea.

It was mooted that such a move would appeal to Ginola as he would not have to relocate and would be able to link up with the French contingent at Stamford Bridge.

It has been well documented that Spurs accepted a L3m bid from Aston Villa, although the proposed move seemed to have fallen through. Ginola was back at pre-season training this week with his Spurs team-mates.

On Chelsea entering the Ginola equation, Pleat commented: "We have not had any discussions about David Ginola with any club other than Villa."

On Ginola's possible switch to Villa Park, the Daily Star claims that Ginola is demanding that Spurs accept a L1m reduction in the transfer fee, which would become payable to the player, enabling him to agree reduced terms with the Midlanders.

"We have had no further talks with Villa," confirms Pleat, who went on to deny reports that Spurs had inquired about Villa central defender Ugo Ehiogu.